| One of his former coaches thinks Haynesworth is done. |
Eagles defensive line coach Jim Washburn and former defensive lineman Albert Haynesworthare close. So close in fact that the two are constantly in communication. "He calls me every night and says, 'Hey, Wash, it's your big black son,'" Washburn said.
So when Washburn makes a pronouncement about whether Haynesworth will return to the field to resume his 10-year career, it’s probably smart to listen. And according to Washburn (via the Philadelphia Daily News), Haynesworth is most likely done.
"I think he's finished,” Washburn told reporters Tuesday. “His back's degenerative."
Haynesworth and Washburn were together in Tennessee, when the two-time All Pro had the best moments of his career (especially in 2007 and 2008 when Haynesworth combined for 14.5 sacks in 27 games). That production, of course, led to the $100 million contract signed with the Redskins, one of the worst contracts in NFL history.
That bought Washington 6.5 sacks in 20 games and a litany of legal problems to go with Haynesworth’s work ethic issues. The Patriots brought him in at the beginning of last year, but after six games, they got rid of him. He eventually landed with the Buccaneers where he laid low and played decently.
After the Buccaneers released him in February so they could avoid paying him his $6.7 million base salary, his career clearly was in jeopardy.
“This year right here, you’ve probably seen me at my worst,” Haynesworth said after the season. “I mean just as far as my play. I still did some good things, but I just think that next year I’ll be a hell of a lot better, back closer to my ’08 form.”
Looks like he might not get that chance after all.
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